This bottle was excavated from the mound known as Village Tepe at Nishapur in eastern Iran. It represents one of several types found during the Metropolitan Museum’s excavations at the site, ranging from miniature flasks (37.40.8) to large, long-necked bottles (30.170.61). While the specific use of many of these vessels remains ambiguous, we can make educated guesses based on form. The thick yellowish glass and rather crude shape of this bottle suggest that it was made to serve a utilitarian purpose, durability being the most significant factor. Its very small mouth precludes the function of everyday drinking, pointing to other potential uses. It could have served, for example, as a sprinkler or dropper for liquids used in small amounts at a time.

Provenance

1936, excavated at Village Tepe in Nishapur, Iran by the Metropolitan Museum of Art's expedition; 1937, acquired by the Museum in the division of finds